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Head coach Peter Moores has conceded that England lack a frontline spinner and has now made it a priority to establish Graeme Swann’s long-term successor.

Swann retired from international cricket during a sensational failing at the winter Ashes series in Australia, and his influence was clearly lacking as England drew with Sri Lanka in the opening summer Test at Lord’s.

All-rounder Moeen Ali, predominately a batsman, and fellow part-time off-spinner Joe Root were the spin options aside from a four-seam attack, but Simon Kerrigan and youngster Adam Riley have put themselves in the frame with superb performances at county level.

“Monty is the most experienced Test match spinner out there for us but through other issues he has made it very difficult to look at him as an option at the moment. The key is to put himself up for selection like anyone else. Monty has got to do that."

"I think Moeen Ali has the chance at the moment. He is getting better quite quickly but is going to have to adjust to take wickets as a Test match bowler."

Moores, meanwhile, continued his defence of captain Alastair Cook, who has now gone 22 Test innings since his last century.